ABNORMAL HEART RHYTHMS — COMMON AND TREATABLE
Arrhythmias
Abnormal heart rhythms felt as fluttering, skipped beats or a rapid pulse, with varied medical causes. Treatable with rhythm-control therapy, device therapy or ablation depending on the type.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What are Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are conditions in which the heart beats too fast, too slow or in an irregular pattern. They range from harmless extra beats to serious life-threatening rhythms, and can arise from electrical problems, structural heart disease, hormonal changes, medications, electrolyte imbalances or genetic disorders. Common types include atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardias, bradycardias, ventricular ectopics and ventricular tachycardias. Symptoms vary widely — palpitations, missed or extra beats, dizziness, breathlessness, chest discomfort and in some cases, fainting or sudden cardiac arrest. Diagnosis involves ECG, Holter monitoring, event recorders, echocardiography and sometimes specialised electrophysiology testing. Treatment depends on the type and underlying cause, and may include lifestyle measures, medical therapy, pacemakers, implantable defibrillators or catheter ablation. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides initial evaluation, medical management and coordinated cardiology referral at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Coronary artery disease and previous heart attack
- Heart failure and cardiomyopathy
- High blood pressure and structural heart disease
- Thyroid disorders, particularly hyperthyroidism
- Electrolyte imbalances (potassium, magnesium)
- Certain medications and stimulants
- Excess alcohol, caffeine and recreational drugs
- Genetic heart rhythm disorders in some patients
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
ECG, Holter monitoring, event recorders, echocardiography and electrophysiology testing
Tachycardias · Bradycardias · Ectopics · Specific named arrhythmias
Medical therapy, pacemaker, defibrillator or catheter ablation
Lifestyle and electrolyte review is often important
Regular cardiology follow-up in significant arrhythmias
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Targeted Therapy Based on Rhythm Type
The most effective approach starts with accurate diagnosis of the specific arrhythmia, followed by targeted therapy — antiarrhythmic medical therapy, pacemaker, implantable defibrillator or catheter ablation — depending on the type, symptoms and underlying cause.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms, triggers and risk factors, examines the heart and orders ECG, Holter monitoring and other relevant investigations.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created based on the specific arrhythmia, symptoms and underlying heart condition.
- 3
Medical Management
Targeted medical therapy, treatment of underlying causes, electrolyte correction and cardiology referral for device therapy or ablation where indicated.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Regular review of symptoms, ECG and overall heart health with adjustments to therapy as needed.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Antiarrhythmic Medical Therapy
Specific medical therapy is used to control rhythm and reduce symptoms, with the choice depending on the type of arrhythmia.
Pacemaker or ICD (Referral for cardiology / electrophysiology)
Implantable devices are used to manage significant slow rhythms (pacemaker) or to prevent sudden cardiac death (ICD).
Catheter Ablation (Referral for electrophysiology)
Catheter ablation can offer a curative treatment for certain arrhythmias, particularly in patients with persistent symptoms.
Treating Underlying Cause
Addressing heart disease, thyroid problems, electrolyte imbalances and triggers is essential alongside arrhythmia-specific therapy.
ECG and Holter Monitoring
Periodic ECG and longer-term rhythm monitoring track progress and detect new or recurring arrhythmias.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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